Tornado Alerts Near Ephrata, WA 98823

🌪️ Current Alert Status

Live NWS tornado and severe weather alerts

✅

All Clear

No active tornado alerts near Ephrata

There are currently no tornado warnings, watches, or severe thunderstorm alerts in effect for the Ephrata area. This page updates every 60 seconds from the National Weather Service.

Historical Tornado Risk

Activity level Low

Average per year 0.2 tornados

Peak season month May

Total on record 11 tornados

📋 Tornado History

Historical tornado events within 250 miles of Ephrata

EF Rating	Damage	Path	Casualties	Distance	Date
EF0	Light damage	0.4 mi × 1 yd	None	27 mi	May 1, 2024
EF0	Light damage	0.4 mi × 25 yd	None	15 mi	May 26, 2023
EF0	Light damage	0.2 mi × 50 yd	None	32 mi	Jul 22, 2016
EF0	Light damage	0.2 mi × 100 yd	None	25 mi	May 19, 2010
EF0	Light damage	0.3 mi × 50 yd	None	31 mi	May 19, 2004
EF0	Light damage	0.1 mi × 0 yd	None	35 mi	May 11, 2003
EF0	Light damage	0.1 mi × 50 yd	None	75 mi	Aug 26, 1997
EF0	Light damage	0.1 mi × 10 yd	None	29 mi	Jul 4, 1992
EF1	Moderate damage	1 mi × 13 yd	None	56 mi	May 30, 1987
EF1	Moderate damage	0.1 mi × 10 yd	None	76 mi	May 3, 1982
EF0	Light damage	N/A	None	18 mi	Jul 1, 1979

📈 Historical Trends

Tornado activity near Ephrata over 11 years

11

Total tornados on record

0.2

Average per year

EF1

Strongest recorded

May

Peak month

EF Scale Distribution

EF0

9

EF1

2

EF2

0

EF3

0

EF4

0

EF5

0

Yearly Tornado Count

1979 2024

Strongest Tornados on Record

EF1 OKANOGAN, WA May 30, 1987

1 mi path

EF1 OKANOGAN, WA May 3, 1982

0.1 mi path

EF0 GRANT, WA May 26, 2023

0.4 mi path

EF0 KITTITAS, WA May 1, 2024

0.4 mi path

EF0 DOUGLAS, WA May 19, 2004

0.3 mi path

📅 Tornado Season

When tornados are most likely near you

⚡

Active Tornado Season

Tornado season is active. Ephrata sees the most tornado activity in May. Stay alert and have your shelter plan ready.

US Tornado Activity by Month

Jan

2%

Feb

3%

Mar

7%

Apr

10%

PEAK

May

18%

Jun

16%

Jul

12%

Aug

9%

Sep

7%

Oct

6%

Nov

5%

Dec

3%

Current month Peak for Ephrata

🛡️ Tornado Safety

What to know before, during, and after a tornado

⚠️ Tornado Watch

Meaning: Conditions are favorable for tornado development

Be prepared to take shelter. Stay alert for changing conditions.

🌪️ Tornado Warning

Meaning: A tornado has been spotted or detected on radar

TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY in your nearest safe shelter.

⚠️ Step 1

Tornado Watch — Be Prepared

Conditions are favorable for tornados. Monitor weather alerts, charge your phone, and review your shelter plan. Move vehicles into garages if possible.

🌪️ Step 2

Tornado Warning — Take Cover NOW

A tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. Move immediately to an interior room on the lowest floor (basement, bathroom, closet). Get under sturdy furniture. Stay away from windows.

🔍 Step 3

After a Tornado

Stay in your shelter until the warning expires. Check for injuries, avoid downed power lines, and watch for gas leaks. Document damage for insurance before cleanup.

Where to Shelter

✓ Best: Underground shelter or basement

✓ Good: Interior room on lowest floor

✓ Acceptable: Bathroom or closet (no exterior walls)

✓ If driving: Pull over, get below road level in a ditch

✗ NEVER: Stay in a mobile home — leave for sturdy building

✗ NEVER: Shelter under a highway overpass

📍 Nearby Tornado Monitoring

Cities near Ephrata with live tracking